WINCHESTER schoolchildren were inspired by a visit from a paralympian earlier this week.

Harestock Primary School welcomed three-time gold medallist Peter Hull, MBE, on Monday (April 23).

Pupils have been learning about the Paralympics for the past two weeks and Mr Hull took an assembly, telling children about his success at the Barcelona Paralympics in 1992.

Mr Hull was born without legs and arms ending at the elbow but told children he started swimming at a very young age as part of an exercise regime and won his first swimming gala when he was 10.

He added the experience inspired him to keep training and push on to compete at two Paralympics.

Jackie Sankey, headteacher, said: “It is a real honour and privilege to have Mr Hull visit the school and speak with the children and teachers. We are very grateful to him for giving up his time to come and inspire our children. His visit has really bought to life their learning about the Paralympics.”

Children also got the chance to see Mr Hull’s gold medals up close and had a question and answer session with the athlete.

The visit was part of a number of Olympic-themed events taking place at the school over the next few months with a school ‘Olympic Committee’ arranging more visits from athletes.